BBC Radio 4: The Matter of the North

The Art-Treasures Exhibition, 1857

Melvyn Bragg celebrates the achievements of Manchester, the original northern powerhouse. Its emblem is the bee, a symbol of work, cooperation and industry. It was from here that huge scientific, social and commercial changes would sweep the globe. Melvyn talks to Dr. Katy Layton-Jones about one of the country’s biggest and now largely forgotten art exhibitions which was held in Manchester – The Art Treasures exhibition of 1857.